The Senate is currently in full swing debating the budget plans that were adopted in March. On April 15ththe Senate voted on a series of Democratic priorities which will go to a budget conference committee as the next step in the budget resolution process. This means that the Democrats raised topics, in the form of amendments, meant to guide the party through the rest of the budget process. The votes are technically non-binding, but stress policy issues that they believe should be included in any final budget agreement.

Among issues such as equal pay, Social Security, and student loans, Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado made a motion on Wednesday that climate change should be one of these priority issues. His amendment deals with responding to the causes and impacts of climate change, especially in recognizing the economic and national security threats posed by it. The amendment specifically brings up funding of Department of Defense initiatives to bolster climate resilience of critical department infrastructure to impacts from climate change. It also asks that the Senate not support funds that would undermine the response to climate change, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on carbon pollution.

“Let’s make it clear that the Congress plans to respond to the serious economic and national security threats posed by climate change.” – Senator Michael Bennet

The motion was agreed to overwhelmingly – a very rare sight for a climate change amendment in today’s political environment. Though the vote was non-binding, the sentiment could still have lasting positive impacts on the budget process as a whole. It could play an important role in the funding that climate research, coastal adaption, or the EPA gets in the coming years.

Mule deer are one of many western species impacted by climate change (photo: USFWS)

Senator Bennet realizes that the U.S. needs to take action on climate change. Across the United States and around the world, climate change poses an increasingly dire threat to wildlife, communities, and public health. Warming temperatures, extreme weather events, droughts, and sea level rise all lead to habitat loss and species decline. In Senator Bennet’s state of Colorado, wildlife like cutthroat trout, sage grouse, and mule deer are on the front lines of climate change. Impacts of climate change such as wildfires are also harming Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy and threatens its industry and infrastructure. But these issues are not unique to Colorado and can, in fact, be seen across the country.

Fortunately, as directed by the President’s Climate Action Plan, the EPA is working to address the largest source of carbon pollution in the U.S through their Clean Power Plan (CPP). The proposed CPP will set first ever limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants and cut national carbon pollution by 30% by 2030. EPA is expected to finalize the rule by late summer 2015. In the meantime, we’ll need Senators like Michael Bennet and many more to stand strong on climate, as the CPP comes under attack in Congress. Wildlife can’t wait for climate action!

The boreal forest habitat of woodland caribou is threatened by tar sands extraction – one of the many impacts from the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. Photo by Bruce McKay.

Today, the Senate voted again on a bill that would’ve approved the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. The effort, initiated by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), fell one vote short of the 60 needed for passage.

Ranchers, farmers, landowners, tribes, and citizens have fought this project for nearly six years now, raising serious safety and environmental concerns about the project and questioning the claim that it would enhance energy security, strengthen the economy or provide long-term benefits to the American people. As President Obama recently pointed out, just a handful of jobs would be created and much of the oil would likely be exported to China and other countries.

The tar sands oil carried by the project poses a substantial threat to our climate and a direct risk to the wildlife and communities along the route and at the mines in Canada, including threatened sandhill cranes, wolves, bears, ducks, geese and more. The project would also hasten the development of tar sands, which not only pollutes our water and climate, but directly threatens critical wildlife habitat in an area the size of Florida.

41 Senators stood up for communities and wildlife and said NO to this dangerous project, and we should applaud them for this (see below for the full list of 41 Senators who stood with us and should be thanked*). These four could especially benefit from hearing from you via a “thank you” tweet:

Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). Given Delaware’s significant vulnerability to climate impacts like sea level rise, Senator Coons has long championed renewable energy and climate action. On Tuesday, he stood strong and voted against the pipeline enormous pressure to support the bill. We need to thank him for standing strong!

Despite the innumerable threats posed by Keystone XL, several Senators who otherwise have strong click and conservation records voted to approve construction of the pipeline. Click below to tweet a message letting them know how you feel.

The same rays this collared lizard at the Dominguez-Escalante NCA in Colorado soaks up could be used for solar energy on BLM lands. Photo by: Bob Wick / Bureau of Land Management @mypubliclands

This week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) auctioned off its first lease in a designated Solar Energy Zone. The Dry Lake project in Nevada is the first of 19 identified sites to be auctioned, and a shining symbol of the potential for renewable development on public lands.

Congress can build on this momentum and give another jolt of energy to renewables on public lands. The sunny Southwest and winds of Wyoming can be harnessed for renewable energy to fight climate change, while also generating funding for conservation work.

This legislation would create a pilot program for solar and wind energy development on public lands. The revenue from these new projects would then go to local states, counties, and conservation work — a complete victory for communities, climate, and wildlife.

Renewables for Wildlife

Climate change already affects wildlife, and we need to act now to capitalize on renewable energy strategies.

Rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation are reducing forage for bighorn sheep, with 30 of 80 known populations in the Southwest disappearing.

Reduced snowpack and increased drought are decreasing habitat available in Nebraska for sandhill cranes during their migration.

The loss of whitebark pine in the Rockies places a stress on grizzly bears that use the cones from these trees as a food source.

Bighorn Sheep face threats from climate change and rely on public land for habitat. (Bureau of Land Management photo Courtesy of Steven W. Martin Photography.) Source: Flickr, BLM New Mexico

If passed, this law would encourage development of solar, wind, and geothermal resources on public lands from the BLM and U.S. Forest Service, and use the royalties to create the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund, helping local communities and conservation.

The landmark Dry Lake Solar Energy project also utilizes a mitigation strategy; this pilot collaborative effort takes a proactive approach to address any adverse impacts of energy development. Under this approach, the BLM will undertake projects on the nearby Gold Butte Area of Critical Environmental Concern to protect an important wildlife corridor, and include efforts to protect the threatened desert tortoise.

We can take these innovative approaches at a national level, but only if Congress takes action.

How revenue from renewable would be distributed under this law. Chart courtesy Resource Media.

This month, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is likely to hold hearings on energy development and other public lands issues. Telling members of that committee that smart renewable energy development is at the top of your agenda will help put it on theirs.

Take Action!

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator’s office. Ask to speak to the member of the staff who works on environmental, agricultural or appropriations issues. Tell them you would like to see the Public Lands Renewable Development Act get the hearing it deserves.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2014/07/bright-future-for-renewables-on-public-lands/feed/1Senate May Take Vote to Block Carbon Standard, Clean Water Rulehttp://blog.nwf.org/2014/06/senate-may-take-vote-to-block-carbon-standard-clean-water-rule/
http://blog.nwf.org/2014/06/senate-may-take-vote-to-block-carbon-standard-clean-water-rule/#commentsWed, 18 Jun 2014 21:37:51 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=97144After all of the incredible work put into EPA’s historic standards to limit carbon pollution from power plants, proposed just two weeks ago, Senate Republicans may force a vote to block them as soon as this week. They’ve also got EPA’s clean water rule in their sights, and are expected to offer amendments to block both of these historic efforts on Thursday. Amazingly, they’ve even managed to jump the line and offer these amendments on seemingly unrelated bills. While we expected these antics on the appropriations bill governing EPA’s budget, which both houses of Congress may consider later this year, we did not expect that these amendments would make their way onto the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations package – the legislative vehicle Senate Rs are expected to attempt to amend on Thursday.

Wildlife and Americans alike depend on clean air and water. This photo of Long Pine Lake at mid morning was donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Gema Saiz.

Procedural nonsense aside, the end goal is clear: to dismiss the voices of the American people and protect the interests of corporate polluters over the health, safety and environment of the public writ large. The U.S. Senate needs to stand up and say no to effort to undermine important these protections which will ultimately reduce millions of tons of carbon pollution and protect millions of acres of wetlands and streams across the country.

Luckily, we’re in a strong place – thirty seven Senators issued supportive or positive statements upon release of the carbon pollution standard and many of them have also applauded the clean water rule. That’s because Senators are starting to see the writing on the wall: yet another poll has come out, this week from the Wall Street Journal, showing that 67% of Americans support the carbon pollution standards. And opinion polls consistently show that clean water is a top priority for Americans across the political and socioeconomic spectrum.

Enough is enough – these amendments should be soundly defeated and EPA should be allowed to move forward to protect clean air and water, as is their mission. Call, email or tweet at your Senator today to urge them to vote NO on these dangerous amendments to block the carbon pollution standards and the clean water rule—our clean air and water are at stake.

Moose populations have been devastated in recent years by climate-related pest populations. Photo by Philippe Henry/NWF photo contest

On Monday, the EPA released first-ever standards limiting carbon pollution from power plants. While our country limits the amount of mercury, arsenic, and soot our power plants can dump into the atmosphere, we’ve never asked them to limit the amount of carbon pollution they emit. With these new standards, that will no longer be the case. And throughout the week we’ve seen scores of elected officials from across the country stand up to support this common-sense move to protect wildlife, kids, and clean air.

Senators, Representatives and Governors know that the time has come for action to combat climate change—and they know their constituents support this action too! Just this week, a new ABC poll showed that a huge majority of Americans support regulating carbon pollution from power plants, both Democrats and Republicans alike! Thirty-six Senators, more than 50 Representatives, and 14 Governors issued positive statements about the carbon pollution standards. Here are some highlights:

Senators

“We have an obligation to minimize the impacts of climate change while moving towards energy independence and creating jobs across the Commonwealth. No one understands better than Pennsylvanians what can happen if we don’t take appropriate steps to protect our air and water.”

“Climate change is threatening Colorado’s special way of life. Coloradans have seen firsthand the harmful effects of climate change, including severe drought, record wildfires and reduced snowpack. Coloradans also have led the nation over the past decade in confronting this challenge and showing how we can reduce carbon emissions, protect our land, water and air, and strengthen our economy. The EPA’s draft rule is a good start, and I will fight to ensure it complements the work we have already done in Colorado and provides states the flexibility they need to make it successful.”

“Agriculture and outdoor recreation power Montana’s economy,” said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. “From floods to beetle-killed trees, we know the consequences of the changing climate. State-based solutions that reduce the effects of climate change will keep these industries and our economy strong. This responsible proposal gives states flexibility to balance the needs of today with the demands of tomorrow. I will make sure it works for Montanans.”

“Families and businesses in New Hampshire have been paying for the cost of inaction in the form of economic and public health consequences, and we are already seeing the impact of climate change in New Hampshire, threatening many of our traditional industries and the health of our children. I will carefully review the proposed EPA rules to ensure they protect New Hampshire, but the time for national action is long overdue.”

“Reducing this carbon pollution is in our national interest, but we have an obligation to do it in a way that makes economic sense. I’ve seen how smart environmental rules helped us clean up the James River in my hometown in ways that improved our economy and quality of life. We don’t have to choose between a clean environment and economic growth. We just have to make sure that we adopt balanced rules that advance environmental goals by spurring economic innovation.”

Governors

Gov. Pat Quinn (IL):

“I commend President Obama for confronting this critical issue. Illinois has seen the devastating impacts of severe weather first-hand with 11 natural disasters over the past five years. Moving toward a cleaner, more reliable and resilient energy system will bring significant benefits to our communities and our state.”

“Programs such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have brought numerous benefits to the Granite State, leading to new innovations while generating jobs and saving energy costs. We look forward to continuing to work with our regional partners to ensure that we reduce the harmful emissions that lead to climate change, while also helping to reduce energy costs, create jobs and encourage innovation in the state’s clean-energy economy.”

“The impact of climate change is clear, from rising sea levels to more powerful and frequent extreme weather events that put Delaware families and businesses at risk. We have an obligation to address the root cause of these changes and that means limiting carbon pollution from our power plants.”

Representatives

“Climate change poses a real threat to our Great Lakes and agricultural producers in Michigan, but it also presents an economic opportunity for us to continue leading the nation in clean energy solutions. We must take action to address climate change, but we must do so in a way that works for Michigan families, manufacturers, and our emerging clean energy sector.”

On Monday, President Obama announced groundbreaking limits on carbon pollution from electric power plants, a move that will significantly address climate change. I strongly support the president’s action because reducing carbon pollution will result in greater national security, cleaner air and healthier communities while strengthening Illinois’ economy. Just as military necessity led to energy innovation on the battlefield, these new limits on carbon pollution will provide strong incentives for Illinois businesses to accelerate the development of cleaner, cheaper energy technologies.

Climate change is a clear and present threat to our natural environment. Over the past several years, we have seen an increase in super storms, an uptick in tornadoes, and rapidly melting ice in the arctic. Severe weather events are becoming more frequent and they are affecting more Americans. These consequences of carbon pollution and the resulting climate change are easy to see and feel, and their impacts are often devastating.

Rising temperatures in the world’s oceans are causing sea ice—critical habitat for polar bears—to disappear for longer and longer periods during the late summer. Photo: Norbert Rossing

This diverse array of support for the EPA’s carbon pollution standard is just one more indication that the tide is turning towards action to combat climate change. The science has shown us that if we hope to protect our wildlife, kids, and clean air from increasingly devastating impacts of climate change, we must act now.

These Senators, Representatives and Governors need to hear from you! Call or Tweet at these elected officials today to tell them that we support them in their efforts to stand up for the carbon pollution standards!

Full list of 36 Senators who have released supportive or positive statements this week:

We already know that global warming is negatively impacting coastal fishing industries, big game species, and outdoor recreation. Every day, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts across the country are coping with the effects of climate change. Today, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing, “Farming, Fishing, Forestry and Hunting in an Era of Climate Change” which looked into the effects that climate change is having on hunting and outdoor industry.

While many Republicans on the committee were fixated on ardently denying proven climate science, Democrats like Senators Merkley, Tester, and Whitehouse, expressed concern over the serious impacts of climate change. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe testified and spoke about how climate change has caused harm to species valued by sportsmen. As he explained, big game are experiencing more diseases and cold-water trout are being displaced by fish better adapted to warmer waters. And Senator Tester drove home the fact that climate change is already having devastating impacts on farmers and to communities on the ground.

Trout are expected to lose much of their habitat due to climate change. Photo by Fish Eye Guy

Increasingly severe drought, rising temperatures and greater weather extremes all pose a threat to wildlife species. For instance, the moose calves in New Hampshire suffered a 64% mortality rate this winter, as ticks took over in the warmer weather. The fish and shellfish industry has already been significantly impacted by fossil fuel pollution. In fact, a new report finds that the fishing industry is poised to loose anywhere between $17 and $41 billion dollars by 2050 due to climate change’s effect on marine environment. The fish and shellfish industry is a huge employer and source of economic revenue for coastal states from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest.

It’s ironic—on the same day a massive report is released detailing the increasingly severe impacts of climate change on the U.S., the Senate will likely sink a common-sense energy efficiency bill by weighing it down with partisan, anti-environmental, anti-climate riders.

The National Wildlife Federation supports passage of the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency legislation (S. 2262) because it would be a logical step in the right direction – promoting measures to improve the efficiency of our buildings, reducing pollution, and saving consumers money. A win-win-win. The bill would even create quite a few jobs, while we’re at it! It would also help protect our wildlife and their habitat by slowing emissions of climate-disrupting pollutants.

The lead authors of the bill have even gone out of their way, over the course of the bill’s multi-year slog through the Senate, to engage supporters from both sides of the aisle, garnering 62 cosponsors on this latest iteration – enough to pass the bill! That is, if a vote were to occur right now, on the legislation itself.

No Clean Vote?

The NWF team speaking up for wildlife at the Reject and Protect rally.

But no. To allow this broadly supported, win-win-win legislation to even be considered, some in the Senate are demanding a separate vote on a bill to approve the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, as well as votes on several anti-environment riders to Shaheen-Portman. Some of these riders would directly undermine the administration’s ability to combat climate change – by gutting regulations to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, our largest source of CO2. Another possible amendment would bar federal agencies from considering the “social cost of carbon” when conducting environmental reviews of major projects – barring them, essentially, from considering the climate costs of the projects under review.

Sandhill cranes are one of the many species that are impacted by tar sands development. Photo by Myrna Erler Bradshaw.

It’s unclear exactly how this will play out in the Senate, but one thing is clear – it’s simply ridiculous to undermine the benefits of this positive legislation by tying its passage to harmful riders or paired legislation, all to score political points. The Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, if constructed, would add the equivalent carbon pollution to the atmosphere every year as adding 5.7 million new cars to the road every year. That’s clearly a step in the wrong direction. Right now, we need the support of Senator Franken (D-MN), Senator Carper (D-DE), and Senator Bennet (D-CO) to ensure the Senate doesn’t ram through this approval of the polluting Keystone XL tar sands pipeline as ransom for the consideration of the Shaheen-Portman bill. Call, email, or tweet at them right now!

As the National Climate Assessment makes clear today – we simply cannot wait to address the impacts of climate change. They’re here, and they’re getting worse. For the sake of our wildlife, our communities, and our planet, I hope the Senate can see pass the short-term gains of political grandstanding for at least a day – and pass this common-sense legislation without climate-harming riders. Enough is enough.

A packed senate hearing room with nurses, activists and others gathered to hear about the KXL pipeline. Photo via Collin Rees of SustainUS

Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a long-anticipated hearing on the Keystone XL Pipeline. This hearing aimed to explore whether the pipeline is in our national interest and included panelists such as esteemed climate scientist, Dr. James Hansen, and Sierra Club Executive Director, Michael Brune. Also testifying were Karen Harbert, president of the Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, and General USMCJames L. Jones.

Opponents of the proposed pipeline argued that allowing Keystone to pass through the U.S. would be assuming a large amount of risk, with little pay off. The majority of this dirty tar sands oil would be exported, but not before passing through America’s heartland. Denying this pipeline would send a clear message that the U.S. does not want dirty tar sands oil passing through our communities. Here are some of the best quotes from today’s hearing!

Top 10 quotes from the Keystone XL hearing:

1. “We’re screwing our children, grandchildren, all future generations if we think we can use those unconventional fossil fuels.”– Dr. James Hansen

Proponents of the Keystone pipeline like to argue that this tar sands oil will be developed regardless. But the truth is that Canada has been exploring other options and is hitting significant opposition. For example, native tribes in western Canada have made it clear that they will not allow a pipeline through their native lands.

3. “The choice is not whether to accepted increased risk by rail or pipeline, but whether to take the oil out of the ground”– Michael Brune

Senator Boxer gave a strong testimony, citing the vast health impacts as one of the primary reasons to reject the pipeline. Accompanied by nurses from across the U.S., she talked about the health impacts of living near refineries. Often these places will have much higher rates of cancers and asthma, especially in children.

6. “If you are in support of the environment, you are in support of the pipeline.”– Chamber of Commerce’s Karen Harbert

Really?? I think the large majority of environmentalists are going to have to disagree with Ms. Harbert on that point.

7. To which Senator Barbara Boxer responded: “When you said ‘If you are an environmentalist you are in support of this pipeline’, let me just say that is ludicrous on its face, please don’t speak for me, and please don’t speak for lots of folks who don’t see it that way.”

Sandhill cranes are one of the many species that are impacted by tar sands development. Photo by Myrna Erler Bradshaw, NWF photo contest winner

9. “The right strategy is to make it cleaner tomorrow than today. To grow the pieces [of our energy structure] that are not carbon and to take the pieces that are heavy carbon and reduce them in size and carbon intensity”– Senator Tim Kaine

Tar sands is one of the most carbon intensive fuel sources. As we try to limit our overall carbon impact, it is important that we focus on reducing the most carbon intensive fuel sources.

10. “We’re all on the same boat. We will either sink together or find a way to sail together”– Dr. James Hansen

What KXL means for wildlife

We are all in the same boat, no matter your party (or your species!) you will be affected by climate change and dirty fuels projects. Keystone XL pipeline will cut through America’s agricultural heartland, the Missouri, Platte, and Niobrara Rivers, the Ogallala aquifer, habitat for sage grouse and sandhill cranes, walleye fisheries and much more. Migratory birds are especially at risk as many of their migration paths follow the proposed Keystone pipeline route. Habitat disruption in these areas would negatively impact these migrating species as well as the communities in the surrounding areas.

No, it’s not Hedwig carrying your long awaited acceptance letter from Hogwarts, but recent rare sightings of snowy owls have inspired many Americans to take up birding.

“The sudden arrival of snowy owls up and down the East Coast and as far south as Florida is a surprise winter gift from North America’s northern realms, and people are flocking to airports, beaches and parking lots to see them. This ‘irruption’ as the ornithologists call it is one of the largest known migrations of snowy owls in U.S. history.”

Speakers in a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Wednesday objected to what they see as unnecessary regulation of drilling on public lands. Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development supports a process that involves the public and provides certainty for everyone – the industry, public agencies, landowners and the millions of Americans who hunt, fish, recreate and make a living off public lands.

Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said today:

“With so many competing interests, it is a huge victory for wildlife that the conservation of our nation’s natural resources was prioritized and included in the final bill. By re-linking conservation compliance to crop insurance, funding key conservation programs, and including a sodsaver provision in key states to protect grasslands, this bill will help wildlife from across our prairies to our oceans.

The Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2014 prepared by Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Kay Hagan, D-N.C., and introduced Tuesday includes a provision to open currently inaccessible public lands to hunting and fishing. Another would give the Interior secretary permanent authority to permit states to issue electronic duck stamps, which generate vital funding for wetlands conservation.

“Hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts make up about half our 4 million members and supporters. The National Wildlife Federation was formed nearly 80 years ago after our founder, J.N. “Ding” Darling joined other sportsmen and wildlife conservationists to protect wildlife and invest in conservation,” said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.

Larry Schweiger, the president of the National Wildlife Federation, said: “This is a large source of carbon that’s going to be unleashed. We’re headed in a terribly wrong direction with this project, and I don’t see how that large increase in carbon is going to be offset.”

“What about Canada’s own government or the oil industry, which has repeatedly said Keystone XL is needed to realize tar sands growth plans that Canada projects will cause its own carbon emissions to soar 38% by 2030? Or will State stand by the oil industry consultants it hired to write that first draft currently being investigated for conflicts of interest?”

“In this report, for the very first time, the State Department acknowledges a scenario in which the Keystone XL tar sands export pipeline dramatically increases carbon pollution. That’s a welcome and long overdue change, and it gives President Obama all the evidence he needs to reject Keystone XL.”

According to a report released by the National Wildlife Federation’s Climate Education Program and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2012, climate change-related events are expected to cause an increase in mental and social disorders. Such disorders include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, suicide and violence.

Colorado oil and gas regulators set a precedent on Thursday by hosting a public forum on lessons learned from oil spills caused by the September 2013 floods, said Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Director Matt Lepore.

I have written tons about how to get kids to put down their gadgets and get outdoors. So I thought it was fascinating that the National Wildlife Federation has actually decided to embrace a new approach when it comes to kids and tech – get kids to go outside with their gadgets.

Two leading environmental groups, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Wildlife Federation, have petitioned FEMA for more than a year to overhaul its disaster mitigation program, asking to require – not just suggest – that communities include climate impacts in their grant requests and strategic plans.

National Wildlife Federation Launches Online Community to Connect Kids with Wildlife

January 24- Watching a pair of blue jays frolic in a bird-bath. Sitting on a park bench observing squirrels chase each other around a giant oak tree. Gardening in your backyard. Planting a tree. Fishing along a misty river. Seeing turtles sunbathe on a log in a local lake. Counting stars by a dying camp fire in a state park.

“My favorite memories as a kid involve the outdoors. But children today are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature and wildlife,” said Becky Lentz, director of Great Lakes programs and operations at the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes office, which initiated the community. “We started Wildlife Nation because we can’t imagine a world where nature and wildlife are not a part of kids’ lives. Our goal is to create a community where we all help each other so that kids today can enjoy the wonders of wildlife whether they live in a large city, a suburb, or rural community.”

Wildlife Nation aims to attract people who enjoy doing things outside or who want to get outside more—and to connect them to other like-minded people to create a network of people who can help each other connect kids to nature. People who join the community can upload pictures, tell stories, and ask questions. Once there, people can find resources to create a habitat in their backyard, plant trees, or camp and fish.

“President Obama laid out a bold plan to tackle climate change last June, a goal that’s critically important to saving wildlife and protecting our communities,” said Felice Stadler, senior director for climate and energy at the National Wildlife Federation. “We wanted to take a clear-eyed look at both the progress his administration has made in the six months since and what needs to be done going forward. For example, while the Obama administration has taken important steps toward limiting industrial carbon pollution, more must be done to keep high-carbon fuels in the ground on our nation’s public lands.”

The National Wildlife Federation graded progress using a qualitative scale from “poor” to “great” depending on actions taken to date to meet stated directives. In addition, the report includes five additional areas needing attention, highlighting topics not specifically covered in the administration’s plan that are critical to combat global warming.

“With 2013 going into the record books as the fourth-warmest year on record, if the state of our union is to remain strong, the call to action on climate change is more urgent than ever,” said Stadler.

“We’re very concerned this has flown under the public’s radar,” National Wildlife Federation’s Peter LaFontaine told Bloomberg News in May. “The public doesn’t seem to have the same sort of attention for pipeline expansions as they do for pipeline construction. But we’re talking about a lot of crude.”

David Mizejewski brings along some furry and slithery friends. As an education partner with the animated film “The Nut Job,” find out how the groundhog featured on the show today was involved in the movie.

Environmental organizer Brett Chamberlin and Kaity Thomson, a University of New Hampshire student with a fellowship with the National Wildlife Federation, will participate in an event Monday at Bug Light Park in South Portland, Maine.

Providing a water source is one of the criteria necessary for creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat as described by the National Wildlife Federation. You’ll be amazed at just how many creatures, from birds to frog and even honeybees will quickly find your water source once you make it available.

The CEQ guidance “needs to make clear that the full swath of indirect and cumulative impacts needs to be addressed, and needs to be addressed in a way that it is specific to that project and the projects around it,” said Jim Murphy, senior counsel with the National Wildlife Federation.

That this coming Tuesday has been declared National Squirrel Appreciation Day by the National Wildlife Federation is one sign that the marketing team at Open Road Films left no acorn uncracked in promoting its new 3D animated kids movie “The Nut Job.”